Mario's Peruvian & Seafood

07/19/2008 Posted by RebeccaBarker

a good choice for yummy homestyle peruvian. casual, inexpensive, and delicious. perfect for a casual dinner with friends.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

12/19/2007 Posted by la_dweller

I've only gone to Mario's once, but I just can't stop talking about it. Great taste, huge servings at a very reasonable price. Their fries are delicious. I highly recommend the ceviche, which has boiled eggs and gives it a unique taste. I parked a couple of blocks away and then walked there. The parking is horrible, and the decoration is very poor. But if you're looking for good food and nothing more. This is it. It only took one time, and Mario's became one of my favorite restaurants in LA.

Pros: food, cost, huge servings

Cons: parking, long wait, not very pretty

12/08/2007 Posted by radiancelee

Don't be discouraged by the low-key setting, this restaurant seemed to be one of L.A.'s biggest Peruvian foodie havens. People came from far and away to wait in line for half an hour just to sit at one of the basic tables and devour the Saltado dishes (seafood, chicken and or beef). Since the presentation of this popular dish didn't appeal to me personally, I opted for the steamed red snapper in wine sauce, and by golly, it was DELICIOUS. I am so exicted i couldn't finish the huge dish, so that I can enjoy some more of it tomorrow.

Pros: great smell when you walk in, pescado in wine sauce, CHEAP price tag

Cons: awkward waiting around in the middle of the restaurant with no place to stand until table was ready

09/28/2007 Posted by lolitanbuck

I love this place! It is the most delicious comfort food out in all of LA. I have read the review about how the service is bad, they are just really busy and still deliver your food in record time. It has always been delicious and consistent. If you haven't gone you must go!!!

Pros: Lomo Saltado, LOMO SALTADO, LOMO SAAAAAAAAAAAALTADO

Cons: parking

03/07/2007 Posted by lalaloulindy

You know how ppl say "Wow, this is the BEST place ever," and it is truly average or worse.....Well, that is not Mario's. They have the BEST food ever, coupled with average service, bland ambience, and average prices. Yet the food is so delicious that the cons are overlooked in my book. If you like beef order the: LOMO MONTADO If you like seafood order the: PINCANTE DE MARISCOS. Yum.Happy eating and enjoy!

Pros: Amazing food

Cons: Bad parking, mediocre service and ambience.

02/21/2007 Posted by patricious

an excellent lunch spot. the seafood and pollo saltado is the best! and while you're there. make sure to try the local peruvian soda called inca cola. tastes like bubblegum :) like everybody here had mentioned. parking and the wait is a task. so i always call in for pick up since i work close by.

Pros: good food. decent servings.

Cons: parking, wait time.

01/17/2007 Posted by goldwater_64

If you are looking for top-notch parking, this certainly isn't the place. The parking outside is a mess, with cars often times blocking entrances, parked here and there, and a general lack of space. If you're looking for a place with fabulous seating and decor, again, this isn't the place. The tables aren't gorgeous and the walls have framed articles and the like. However, if you can somehow find the ability, and I say this sarcastically, to look past those two minor issues, this restaurant is excellent. Personally, when I dine, I do not judge the experience on whether someone was there to park my car quickly or act like a cheery, bubbly host. That being said, I judge strictly by the quality of food. By that standard, Mario's is simply a restaurant of great Peruvian food. I am particularly fond of the seafood which has a smell throughout the restaurant (take out as well) that leaves you eager to eat it. The quality is certainly among the best and that’s not even mentioning that the portion is huge. I often find myself stuffing the end because I simply can't stop or taking the rest home. Furthermore, for a portion of that size and a quality that rich, the price is certainly more than reasonable. It’s reasonable for even a restaurant with the bare minimum quality of food. Thus, to put it bluntly, there are two ways you can look at this place. If you see your eating experience as one determined solely by convenience and ease, this is not the place. However, if you love great food (please ignore the random comments from people who claim to get sick after eating there, as I have been there a good 15 times and have never been ill afterwards) this is the place in Los Angeles to go. Don't take my word though. Try it for yourself. Just be sure to plan ahead and allot for some time, as parking, as many have pointed out, is their weak spot. However, the food is fantastic and a must try for anyone, especially rice and seafood lovers.

Pros: Great food, excellent prices, GREAT FOOD!

Cons: Awful parking situation, long wait for seating

12/26/2006 Posted by ennrique

If looking for authentic Peruvian food this is the place to go. Service and restaurant appearance is not the greatest nor desirable, but food is excellent. Low rate due to service!

Pros: Food

Cons: Parking

10/19/2006 Posted by senorlou

The Lomo Saltado is fantastic! Everything we have tried so far, has been good. The prices are comparable to other Peruvian restaurants and is reasonable. However, this restaurant is at a horrible location. There is not enough seating, and the parking situation is even worse. Phone in the order and pick it up if you don't want to wait forever.

Pros: Delicious food, reasonable prices

Cons: Horrendous parking situation, busy, no seating inside

07/31/2006 Posted by jenns1975

We got there at 4pm on a Sunday afternoon, and there was a half-an-hour wait. I am non-peruvian, and have only tried a few other peruvian restaurants, but I have to say their food is way overrated. No ambiance whatsoever, and got sick after eating their food. I seriously think they mess with your food if they don't like you. Will not be going back for sure.

Pros: large portion

Cons: average food and long wait